Saudi Arabia is making strides in regenerative tourism along its western coastline, where Red Sea Global is developing a trio of luxury tourism projects aimed at sustainability, community engagement, and environmental conservation. Red Sea Global’s vision includes harnessing renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and fostering local job growth.
The first completed site, Thuwal Private Retreat, offers an exclusive experience just an hour from Jeddah. Located on a secluded buyout island with five accommodations, it sets the stage for Red Sea Global’s broader mission. The Red Sea Project, situated across a stunning archipelago of 90 islands, will see development on just five islands, with St. Regis, Ritz Carlton Reserve, and the newly launched Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort already welcoming guests. The full scale of the project is set to unfold in 2024, with 11 new resorts planned across the Red Sea and the AMAALA region on the coastline’s northern edge, which will host eight additional resorts.
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, said the projects represent “one of the last hidden gems in the world,” bringing both opportunity and responsibility to develop in a way that enhances rather than harms the environment. A team of scientific partners collaborated to assess the area’s biodiversity, resulting in a comprehensive conservation plan aimed at increasing the net conservation value by 30% over time. Efforts include protecting the Red Sea’s barrier reef—one of the world’s largest—with a dedicated coral regeneration facility that replicates natural coral spawning conditions.
As part of the conservation efforts, Red Sea Global has committed to planting 50 million mangroves by 2030, with one million planted last year and two million added this year. Mangroves play a crucial role in combating sea level rise and erosion, while also aiding carbon capture. By the project’s completion, the aim is to reduce CO₂ emissions by five million tons annually, achieved through renewable energy sources powering 50% of resort operations, including UV charging networks, and using reverse osmosis for water production.
Described as “inspired by nature, led by science,” the Red Sea and AMAALA projects are designed to be entirely powered by solar energy year-round. Activities at the resorts are chosen to support the local ecosystem, with eco-friendly water sports, diving programs focused on coral protection, and hiking and zipline trails.
In addition to environmental goals, Red Sea Global has a strong community focus. The projects prioritize local hiring, with 30-40% of all positions filled by Saudi workers from surrounding communities. Investments include vocational training programs and scholarships for young Saudis to study International Hospitality Management at Medina University, with pathways to future employment at Red Sea Global or its hospitality partners. Pagano emphasized the importance of local inclusion, saying, “You can’t develop sustainably without bringing in your local community.”
Red Sea Global’s mission aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, a national framework that aims to have 50% of Saudi Arabia’s energy come from renewable sources by 2030. With the goal to transition from oil dependency to a green economy, Saudi leaders see renewable energy, especially green hydrogen, as the next frontier.
As sustainability becomes a global priority, Pagano notes that regenerative tourism appeals especially to environmentally conscious travelers, who are willing to pay for eco-friendly options. The Red Sea and AMAALA projects will ultimately feature 50 hotels at the Red Sea site and 30 more at AMAALA, all anticipated for completion by 2030, setting a new standard for eco-tourism.
